Steady Growth Prompts Mariner to Expand Its Leadership Team

LEAWOOD, Kan., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mariner Holdings, which encompasses both Mariner Wealth Advisors and Montage Asset Management , announces the appointment of Timothy M. Connealy as chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Connealy joins Mariner's leadership team at a time when the Kansas-based firm is expanding its geographic presence nationally, as a result of Mariner Wealth Advisors' recent acquisition of the CBIZ Wealth Management group. Mariner's growth is also fueled by significant organic asset flows within Montage Asset Management and its affiliate asset management firms.

"We are extremely fortunate to bring Tim aboard our leadership team," explained Mariner CEO Martin C. Bicknell. "To me, his appointment represents an important step for our company, as we continue building an infrastructure that will sustain Mariner's growth – while giving our teams the support they need to focus on what they do best for our clients."

Mariner Wealth Advisors has earned a reputation for providing financial advice that is based purely on the needs and interests of their clients. In fact, Barron's recognized Mariner as one of the top independent investment advisors in the United States in 2010. The firm's performance has resulted in a growing base of clients who want unbiased advice from a team of professionals with proven expertise. Founded as a client-centered firm, Mariner's original mission remains intact as it extends its reach outside of Kansas City to serve clients in Cumberland, MD; Los Angeles; New York; Philadelphia and San Diego.

About Timothy M. Connealy

Connealy joins Mariner with more than 30 years of experience in banking and accounting, having served most recently as executive vice president – chief operating officer at Dickinson Financial Corporation/Bank Midwest, where he was responsible for the operational, administrative and risk management activities for the multi-bank holding company. Before that, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer – first with CNB Financial Corporation/Commercial National Bank and then with UMB Financial Corporation/UMB Bank. Earlier in his career, Connealy spent 10 years in the Auditing Department of KPMG, Certified Public Accountants.

"Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Mariner," Bicknell said. "His perspective will be invaluable as we plan for the future and consider how to best leverage our skills and company resources for the benefit of our clients."

About Mariner Wealth Advisors

Mariner Wealth Advisors is an independent investment advisory firm that, with its affiliate firm, manages approximately $8 billion in assets. Its mission is to help clients and their families achieve and maintain financial peace of mind -- preserving the wealth clients have created and building a legacy for future generations of family and business leaders. Its services include:

• Multi-generational wealth planning
• Private equity and real estate opportunities
• Asset management
• Risk management
• Family office management

Visit www.marinerwealthadvisors.com

About Montage Asset Management

Montage Asset Management is a unique group of institutional investment managers – each offering a distinct approach to money management that reflects many decades of professional experience and proprietary investment strategies across global asset classes. The firm's organizational approach is to allow individual investment managers to retain boutique processes, talent and culture that have proven records of adding value to portfolios and meeting client objectives.

Visit www.montageassetco.com

SOURCE Mariner Holdings, LLC